Abstract: Memory devices based on tungsten-oxide memory regions are described, along with methods for manufacturing and methods for programming such devices. The tungsten-oxide memory region can be formed by oxidation of tungsten material using a non-critical mask, or even no mask at all in some embodiments. A memory device described herein includes a bottom electrode and a memory element on the bottom electrode. The memory element comprises at least one tungsten-oxygen compound and is programmable to at least two resistance states. A top electrode comprising a barrier material is on the memory element, the barrier material preventing movement of metal-ions from the top electrode into the memory element.

Abstract: Integrated circuit nonvolatile memory uses programmable resistive elements. In some examples, conductive structures such as electrodes are prepared, and the programmable resistive elements are laid upon the prepared electrodes. This prevents contamination of the programmable resistive elements from previous fabrication steps.

Abstract: A pillar-type phase change memory element comprises first and second electrode elements and a phase change element therebetween. A second electrode material and a chlorine-sensitive phase change material are selected. A first electrode element is formed. The phase change material is deposited on the first electrode element and the second electrode material is deposited on the phase change material. The second electrode material and the phase change material are etched without the use of chlorine to form a second electrode element and a phase change element. The second electrode material selecting step, the phase change material selecting step and the etching procedure selecting step are carried out so that the phase change element is not undercut relative to the second electrode element during etching.

Abstract: A method and structure of a bistable resistance random access memory comprise a plurality of programmable resistance random access memory cells where each programmable resistance random access memory cell includes multiple memory members for performing multiple bits for each memory cell. The bistable RRAM includes a first resistance random access member connected to a second resistance random access member through interconnect metal liners and metal oxide strips. The first resistance random access member has a first resistance value Ra, which is determined from the thickness of the first resistance random access member based on the deposition of the first resistance random access member. The second resistance random access member has a second resistance value Rb, which is determined from the thickness of the second resistance random access member based on the deposition of the second resistance random access member.

Abstract: A phase change random access memory PCRAM device is described suitable for use in large-scale integrated circuits. An exemplary memory device has a pipe-shaped first electrode formed from a first electrode layer on a sidewall of a sidewall support structure. A sidewall spacer insulating member is formed from a first oxide layer and a second, “L-shaped,” electrode is formed on the insulating member. An electrical contact is connected to the horizontal portion of the second electrode. A bridge of memory material extends from a top surface of the first electrode to a top surface of the second electrode across a top surface of the sidewall spacer insulating member.

Abstract: A memory cell device has a bottom electrode and a top electrode, a plug of memory material in contact with the bottom electrode, and a cup-shaped conductive member having a rim that contacts the top electrode and an opening in the bottom that contacts the memory material. Accordingly, the conductive path in the memory cells passes from the top electrode through the conductive cup-shaped member, and through the plug of phase change material to the bottom electrode.

Abstract: An MRAM device comprises a plurality of MRAM structures, each MRAM structure comprising a magnetoresistive memory cell in close proximity to a high permeability conductive line and a single transistor configured to access the magnetoresistive memory cell for both read and write operations. The high permeability conductive line acts a current path for both read and write operations, thereby reducing the number of metal bit lines.

Abstract: Integrated circuit nonvolatile memory uses programmable resistive elements. In some examples, conductive structures such as electrodes are prepared, and the programmable resistive elements are laid upon the prepared electrodes. This prevents contamination of the programmable resistive elements from previous fabrication steps.

Abstract: A magnetic random access memory (MRAM) cell comprises a MRAM device and a single crystal self-aligned diode. The MRAM device and the single crystal self-aligned diode are connected through a contact. Only one metal line is positioned above the MRAM device of the MRAM cell. A first and second spacers positioned adjacent to the opposite sidewalls of the contact define the size of the single crystal self-aligned diode. A first and second metal silicide lines are positioned adjacent to the first and second spacers, respectively. The single crystal self-aligned diode, defined in a silicon substrate, includes a bottom implant (BI) region and a contact implant (CI) region. The CI region is surrounded by the BI region except for a side of the CI region that aligns the surface of the silicon substrate. A fabrication method, a read method, two programming methods for the MRAM cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A memory cell device has a bottom electrode and a top electrode, a plug of memory material in contact with the bottom electrode, and a cup-shaped conductive member having a rim that contacts the top electrode and an opening in the bottom that contacts the memory material. Accordingly, the conductive path in the memory cells passes from the top electrode through the conductive cup-shaped member, and through the plug of phase change material to the bottom electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides multilevel-cell memory structures with multiple memory layer structures where each memory layer structure includes a tungsten oxide region that defines different read current levels for a plurality of logic states. Each memory layer structure can provide two bits of information, which constitutes four logic states, by the use of the tungsten oxide region that provides multilevel-cell function in which the four logic states equate to four different read current levels. A memory structure with two memory layer structures would provide four bits of storage sites and 16 logic states. In one embodiment, each of the first and second memory layer structures includes a tungsten oxide region extending into a principle surface of a tungsten plug member where the outer surface of the tungsten plug is surrounded by a barrier member.

Abstract: A bistable resistance random access memory comprises a plurality of programmable resistance random access memory cells where each programmable resistance random access memory cell includes multiple memory members for performing multiple bits for each memory cell. The bistable RRAM includes a first resistance random access member connected to a second resistance random access member through interconnect metal liners and metal oxide strips. The first resistance random access member has a first resistance value Ra, which is determined from the thickness of the first resistance random access member based on the deposition of the first resistance random access member. The second resistance random access member has a second resistance value Rb, which is determined from the thickness of the second resistance random access member based on the deposition of the second resistance random access member.

Abstract: A magnetic memory device comprises a magnetic memory cell that includes a pinned layer and a free layer separated from the pinned layer by an insulating layer. The magnetic memory device also comprises a thermal plate in contact with the free layer. The magnetic memory device can be configured so that a first current flows through the thermal plate heating the thermal plate. The magnetic behavior of the free layer can be altered due to the heating caused by the first current, making it easier to switch the orientation and magnetization of the free layer. A second current can then flow through a bit line near the free layer generating a magnetic field sufficient to switch the orientation of magnetization of the free layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides multilevel-cell memory structures with multiple memory layer structures where each memory layer structure includes a tungsten oxide region that defines different read current levels for a plurality of logic states. Each memory layer structure can provide two bits of information, which constitutes four logic states, by the use of the tungsten oxide region that provides multilevel-cell function in which the four logic states equate to four different read current levels. A memory structure with two memory layer structures would provide four bits of storage sites and 16 logic states. In one embodiment, each of the first and second memory layer structures includes a tungsten oxide region extending into a principle surface of a tungsten plug member where the outer surface of the tungsten plug is surrounded by a barrier member.

Abstract: A memory device that selectably exhibits first and second logic levels. A first conductive material has a first surface with a first memory layer formed thereon, and a second conductive material has a second surface with a second memory layer formed thereon. A connective conductive layer joins the first and second memory layers and places the same in electrical contact. The structure is designed so that the first memory layer has a cross-sectional area less than that of the second memory layer.

Abstract: A resistance random access memory in a bridge structure is disclosed that comprises a contact structure where first and second electrodes are located within the contact structure. The first electrode has a circumferential extending shape, such as an annular shape, surrounding an inner wall of the contact structure. The second electrode is located within an interior of the circumferential extending shape and separated from the first electrode by an insulating material. A resistance memory bridge is in contact with an edge surface of the first and second electrodes. The first electrode in the contact structure is connected to a transistor and the second electrode in the contact structure is connected to a bit line. A bit line is connected to the second electrode by a self-aligning process.

Abstract: A method is described for operating a bistable resistance random access memory having two memory layer stacks that are aligned in series is disclosed. The bistable resistance random access memory comprises two memory layer stacks per memory cell, the bistable resistance random access memory operates in four logic states, a logic “00” state, a logic “01” state, a logic “10” state and a logic “11” state. The relationship between the four different logic states can be represented mathematically by the two variables n and f and a resistance R. The logic “0” state is represented by a mathematical expression (1+f)R. The logic “1” state is represented by a mathematical expression (n+f)R. The logic “2” state is represented by a mathematical expression (1+nf)R. The logic “3” state is represented by a mathematical expression n(1+f)R.

Abstract: A memory device that selectably exhibits first and second logic levels. A first conductive material has a first surface with a first memory layer formed thereon, and a second conductive material has a second surface with a second memory layer formed thereon. A connective conductive layer joins the first and second memory layers and places the same in electrical contact. The structure is designed so that the first memory layer has a cross-sectional area less than that of the second memory layer.

Abstract: A resistance random access memory in a bridge structure is disclosed that comprises a contact structure where first and second electrodes are located within the contact structure. The first electrode has a circumferential extending shape, such as an annular shape, surrounding an inner wall of the contact structure. The second electrode is located within an interior of the circumferential extending shape and separated from the first electrode by an insulating material. A resistance memory bridge is in contact with an edge surface of the first and second electrodes. The first electrode in the contact structure is connected to a transistor and the second electrode in the contact structure is connected to a bit line. A bit line is connected to the second electrode by a self-aligning process.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a phase change memory device comprises forming an electrode layer. Electrodes are made in the electrode layer using conductor fill techniques that are also used inter-layer conductors for metallization layers, in order to improve process scaling with shrinking critical dimensions for metallization layers. The electrode layer is made by forming a multi-layer dielectric layer on a substrate, etching the multi-layer dielectric layer to form vias for electrode members contacting circuitry below, forming insulating spacers on the vias, etching through a top layer in the multi-layer dielectric layer to form trenches between the insulating spacers for electrode members contacting circuitry above, filling the vias and trenches with a conductive material using the metallization process. Thin film bridges of memory material are formed over the electrode layer.